Trial of father and son accused of murdering 21-year-old William Holdback in Adelaide

Consensus Summary

A 21-year-old man, William Holdback, was fatally stabbed during a violent confrontation in Adelaide on April 10, 2024, with both 7NEWS and ABC reporting that the attack occurred in the early hours of that morning. CCTV footage played to a 14-person jury revealed Holdback’s desperate cries for help as he was repeatedly stabbed by Liam Slann, the 29-year-old son of Brian Slann, 54. The prosecution alleges the attack was part of a botched drug deal, with Holdback meeting the Slanns to collect drugs before the confrontation escalated. Both men have pleaded not guilty to murder, though Liam Slann initially entered a guilty plea to manslaughter—a plea the prosecution rejected. The trial, ongoing in the South Australian Supreme Court, hinges on whether the attack was premeditated or a result of an unplanned escalation.

According to both outlets, the incident unfolded after Holdback allegedly smashed the rear passenger window of the Slanns’ blue BMW with a metal bar before fleeing. Liam Slann pursued him, and CCTV captured the younger man shouting, 'I’ve got you now. I’m going to stab you, c***' before the attack. Eight seconds later, Brian Slann allegedly urged his son to 'stab him, Liam,' further implicating him in the crime. The defendants then drove away without attempting to render aid or returning to the scene, leaving Holdback to bleed to death. The prosecution argues that Brian Slann was equally responsible due to his involvement in a 'joint criminal enterprise,' a claim both sources attribute to the prosecutor’s opening address.

The court heard Holdback screamed for help six times, with four of the words clearly identifiable as 'help,' according to 7NEWS, while ABC emphasizes the brutality of the attack with details of the 10 stab wounds inflicted on his chest, shoulder, back, and wrists. Holdback’s mother, present in the courtroom, reportedly covered her ears as the audio was played, underscoring the emotional toll of the testimony. Defence lawyers for both Slanns have argued that their clients should be judged impartially, with Nick Healy denying any agreement between father and son to commit murder and Elizabeth Mansfield urging the jury to set aside sympathy or distaste for the evidence.

While both sources agree on the core details of the attack and the defendants’ involvement, discrepancies arise in specific timing and descriptions. 7NEWS places the incident at 1.15am, whereas ABC cites 1:20am, a minor but notable difference in reporting. Additionally, 7NEWS explicitly states Liam Slann’s age as 29, while ABC does not mention it, instead focusing on the broader context of the father-son dynamic. The outlets also differ slightly in their framing of the chase: 7NEWS describes a general pursuit, while ABC specifies the route down Barrpowell Street. These variations, though minor, reflect differing emphases in how the trial’s key moments are presented to the public.

The trial’s outcome remains uncertain, with the jury still deliberating over whether the attack constituted murder or manslaughter. Both sources confirm that Liam Slann’s initial guilty plea to manslaughter was not accepted by the prosecution, suggesting they intend to prove a more serious charge. The defence has argued that Brian Slann was not the principal offender and lacked direct involvement in the stabbing, while the prosecution maintains the father’s role was pivotal. As the case continues, the jury’s decision will hinge on their interpretation of the CCTV evidence, the defendants’ statements, and the legal arguments presented by both sides.